This official is so weak

Ning Rushen still didn’t know that the letter was sent incorrectly. He sat at his desk, his fingertips lightly tapping on the letter.MjcnViXdCKyjWQnBfOMmgQUkjYlBVF

RmfzsxZWTzWeYal

Yan Min was puzzled, “Sir, what happened?”LXoeXcjchmnISilOVxicyLbjHKVsdh

fXRPmAwnInOoBOt

“Beijiang!” Yan Min exclaimed, “Sir, with your condition… how can you endure such hardship in that place? It’s better to let someone else go.”EqMZCPIfuCuEDQngRxJextGyAqGzZU

lKwSvVhwgHhwHYo

Ning Rushen’s mind recalled Li Wuting’s stressed and flustered appearance and sighed, “Moreover, the Dingyuan Army has treated me well before. When I hurriedly left the capital, they even left me many gifts…”PSkMUGMPcfEmSYPeZqsrXZNcpTqbij

MIYPvLuvUApnqoS

Yan Min was speechless for a moment and then advised, “There’s no need to go to such a far place risking your life; staying in the capital would be better.”QFcxckPlIakkzqqozhOGRcWgDkaaDH

BikLywxkwYJVkqB

He remembered that night when Li Wuting had taken him to the city walls, where he saw the bustling capital at a glance.PkwSQsecCgjalXVFjObeZnDghRBVWh

aDZRiImsOOUarQS

Without the Dingyuan Army, he probably wouldn’t have seen these things.ZUaTzgcrCyDQxTTZIaTFBOVSbodizA

VsxFoYRXPMcKChO

Yan Min urged loudly, “The capital is good; just stay here!”OYUwMKUhfmbEIPCZWFLeyslxDnhcOp

NBNCAIuOyMYJgGM

Ning Rushen was startled by the loud voice, his thoughts becoming chaotic. He couldn’t help but cover his ears.OpmhBbMqdPBfKyhnKKlXbduYTNelDp

HROsoOyTvWkuNQe

Yan Min immediately fell silent, clenching his fist, and turned to leave.LhjaqumAclfiVfhFWZyFDYcZccVWlq

zJcIrklrrSWAUOS

Ning Rushen sat and calmed down, then stood up to put the letter back in his room.eUzTWWsNXqjlPOuJoXfYYJIftUOJfX

nbXfqxjvdttwbRs

Sunlight was streaming through the window, illuminating a piece of embroidered cloth quietly folded in the corner of the drawer.PlEYmDUeOcprvdjRgoRLbzvpxunMtx

XcEWcLLoZLzioBE

Ning Rushen’s gaze flickered, and his actions suddenly paused.xytcQBvsKdlVwfUTiFIwaxuBjXsPnl

ciPayEwuhspdcgB

He reached out to unfold the embroidered cloth and saw that it had four simple characters stitched on it: “Bright Moon, Clear Wind.”qfUutnMnMkkAQNYNgoUNmZqgorHcRQ

GwmRkBvcsQCMRdq

Countless scenes flashed by: from the bustling crowd that night to the bright lights, finally lingering on Li Wuting’s gaze as he looked up with his forehead resting against his hand.qXUIjqwNvCiAUgmwKArueKDnJuGmzQ

ctUfbvEMezZosqu

Ning Rushen felt as though he had been scorched by a flame.lIzWCzvDZRXtXhmYUlhXEjnZMtEeYd

ttQkPCQJKOkhEPO

He stood by the desk for a while, took a deep breath, and then turned to call out:jFYWqachWyAifXNFxhXbSnkrdmhQWW

BVJsyWDLOqIpVsx

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”pIRRiQYqZixRYJzjKHqqBjEJQrlfmD

wzaCuVfwOzNCsot

…FHKWhpaAAFyzxVMLJGuHoCIFReHpWf

HLUUeNGResAFgVK

Upon entering the palace, he was informed that the Emperor was in the Yangxin Palace.TWIdHfwSWnUfqXOkiiYXFaMKPjQgnN

qttJBaoXulRqOUZ

Ning Rushen followed the palace attendant all the way there.zYONvTMLzewDJUMrkDfLsJMEHBUynu

IaBwBnrwzFvutzT

He entered the hall and saw Li Wuting sitting in front of a low couch, his eyes cold, and his expression not looking good.MxaMSvstlumOOzAWpYCiddIAMCzkRx

BEgGSLySqXBsLzk

…Was he still worrying about the military supervisor matter?zHaHZgNxTzCKuQTOHqUeXerTouYWvd

AxVxCvnxRNsjlJl

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”PbFyfPcmzfylgIYTDoixvHyqXwzEsM

QuKLQJkvyHQPLtw

As soon as he spoke, there was no response.QFizAwAXsHriQURXdHfkePbMHWYVhK

YbajUftostHLcci

He was reflecting whether he had taken too much or eaten too much in front of the Emperor recently, or if it was because he hadn’t seen Li Wuting for eight hours, making him unhappy—PUjWlVyfsqICfxqEVgEcKKcEfrjmsC

CYhyPYNVUiEBwhv

Suddenly, a voice spoke up, “Have you received a letter from Huo Mian?”XUdMtqmNNnEiSFhSmxpUbNoLCenwnM

RurHPlScnlrBwCR

Ning Rushen was surprised, “How does Your Majesty know?”NcHjtFUeesVDVwGxZZvmYfZCazIlJX

ZBESMvtYqKPNzCS

Li Wuting stood up, sneering, “I also know what he wrote to you.” ??? How did he know this?eKLskFQSoxjunmBIUULAGUJhyCOgib

jyESxzVgqhyGdbK

In his confusion, Li Wuting casually tossed a stack of papers from the low table. Ning Rushen leaned in with curiosity:wsCsMzGwKSwRkVOrtMAZvSJOAaYioC

gSZQaKyUPXBjgvB

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—fhuNSxXsSoGBdcseNoUIrrxqSNkMtx

IQbEMzolEMCTbaf

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”GQHhVauSwdPYUKRzTqynIWMUZOhMus

ZQMppUVFGGdOtgu

“………” He was immediately stunned!UZcOgRkkkoTDYdipEzbsxgSHjgjMYz

qRXoRujjZQHGXiZ

Wait, Huo Mian… didn’t he accidentally put the letter in the wrong envelope?AUqDNCTxEEMpwAFJzDorVBKWrHBWBN

MQlgItObQBmeLYU

As if confirming his suspicion, he moved his gaze to the back of the page and saw a full list of dish names, with an added note: North Border Specialty Recipes.nLAQynJwkaJLiNVbvaECjOdASuSWxc

CYwNVkSGtxYpqMm

Ning Rushen remained silent for a while, his throat suspiciously moving.fDtpjlOrKKlgaqYogoQGHyyqdqFAkh

xvtYXnmYfgFQWtc

Li Wuting, who was watching silently, “……”ggdEEnNmcHeOXHtGxzOdLnikMLGoXL

qWOfnuomPiCckNU

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.rbbHAKujQpASKuzFdIQocVBNMQBWMA

oYPaRbDUJqgIyCJ

“Enough.” Li Wuting pinched his brow in frustration. He was so angry he lost his temper. Why show this to him?UrZodCiJPfSITBarOQxuuSVBWivcgz

ApLWFipkJwUMBbi

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.pcZuAbaScjmBfWizeIgluzNjlbKYEK

tWZtioApzIXySym

It seemed he saw roasted buns and slices of lamb…tkKxYWVfykoRJnJJzEVQPYpTOYKGfX

afqBszCwuPJIsaa

Li Wuting looked at him for a while and then pressed his lips together, “Ning Qing, why did you come?”NpWgMlFfgBkUghSlMhkBHquoRgmQAA

zTbUUMSqdrViFFj

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.NkNugXuSwfANrQzvQEJCWAeQaVIraP

HlcypwRGaBSxvce

He mentally prepared for two seconds, took a slight breath, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I request to be appointed as the military supervisor.”zRlexsmJaKAHHIpoPfFvnLlSIOxJJA

xkIzoUPHQNSQbZx

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.iWyXGyAWVkFIENOHjhHtTUHejeBjRf

JgHdICKbzTcGkNJ

De Quan beside them was startled and quickly glanced at the Emperor!mQluLiZkClnxfRbwJxpajxqssJGlkf

sruIPwbpZBlRdnR

The candle flame on the purple sandalwood lampstand flickered slightly, and there seemed to be a shifting light in Li Wuting’s deep-set eyes.TipkKsTqLWyYMpFmzmLoJjsvBrytLt

HifrCMGkTGtVyja

After a moment of silence, he slightly moved his Adam’s apple and looked down at Ning Rushen, “You want to volunteer for the position of military supervisor?”MuiNjFsqkRCagtUtiroXeWJLqdTZzd

PkXFtzxOQnTtfZH

Ning Rushen’s breath became somewhat erratic under his gaze, “Yes…”boiltnPxqppIauOfTJafeNmKmJBOjZ

RmpFfKPOgoUAHCq

Li Wuting’s voice was low, “Do you know what kind of place Beijiang is?”YaDmWbbFBfIgHJklverklsUbkkNyoz

scFzYKjzyWvDWXA

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…JJXfrCMrFsJFOpWHKjmqYwZlVvoxLs

hErTgAXxoUOHBaA

Ning Rushen swallowed and still said, “I know.”TbVBrMfayfQWumQnSjHaOVcvUnrjML

xWeQEomjNVIgvMi

Li Wuting seemed to finally show some anger, “Knowing that and still—”ZxNNpwNIkdWpSKnBqosZljOuLRdNOf

qiBXMEuOjMDVuUb

Ning Rushen faced that gaze, paused for two seconds, and then took out a folded embroidered piece from his belt, the “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” he had received that night.UuTiTtlsBzIBROEHbHhwQEGsZbyqkq

epFmdSWSmOYNCQH

He looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty…”IFeFDcGgJeKXTWezdSzODMrLrnmzWq

QNYctCkiipUhOVc

The four characters “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” fell into view.NFEeUkKrGbUQZBOSJhnEYnLqRxDIaV

SQxdMJYlrljlPEK

Li Wuting’s heart trembled, and his hand by his side tightened. After a moment, he couldn’t help but grasp Ning Rushen’s wrist and pull him closer—TiVsEuGOEfkaQpcDCbiUVFZTQtYohJ

RFlRpIpzJMrvzZO

“Ah!” Ning Rushen was suddenly pulled forward.WenARtrRMNYIctOArkkdmgYnAyGKFE

aCEupTpgcTLIFWv

He almost collided with Li Wuting but managed to stop just before. The large hand gripping him was very tight, its warmth making his heart race.mhptEEjBSVzagkRrIOMtdqsmlKoasp

mPcArlctmgtcvNO

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded as he looked up, “Your Majesty?”uNdLEUixzaDmoIuuGZXGAOybgOVmaO

VUXxqPogjhskxcc

In the moment of looking up, their breaths intertwined.GnFzSlHMmVLwsNsBNVTpbehRZFZZsV

qHSMnQkwxxNZxRj

Li Wuting restrained some emotions and lowered his head to look at him for a while, his eyelashes trembling slightly:QPRLWbeVNIvQoXyUMpyMpMcholUHfY

PAMDcTsUCPluXnF

“Have you really made up your mind?”nnXXLNELBqjARUtGEjwYsvCdmPyBhe

vGzVZpFrKaqNtct

Ning Rushen felt his waist weaken and ears heat under the grip, “Yes.”IRGCIYLustdLXIffVglNjyjkayXXOT

EZxQiPEyqinZCvW

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.FomwqnyneWTnaZkuKNINnDUkAENhUB

osOPYXIMDtwzbBJ

Li Wuting’s voice, sounding like a jest with an unclear meaning, said:pJBsQkfYEnVaUeuNPKpINNHNwyXVAE

qQRXZXNsQsJSrRK

“If you want to eat roasted lamb… those, the imperial kitchen can make them too.”bmuTRBcMmgyANvhGcYJNHvPFkkGxxT

uNMzXzlFygBFyLV

Ning Rushen felt dizzy, “But… it wouldn’t be authentic.”kuQffbXslPXSQUuonAbRZBZltnywFv

NUoWYApnbALjbSD

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.YhzryjIeFucTsXqCvVXSQAzacPfPqy

nNoGvRgdKpqUXZp

Ning Rushen became clear-headed for a moment, “Moreover, I’m going for the people of Da Cheng.”GNWsGxTEwCfwKHgyOjAquELYvRhlXx

bvNWQfiurDEmmEh

“…”JUIlkotxlqgWpOKSvZWhpGRvYDbVfP

xMbkIqRTvOtlFoa

After holding his hand for a while, Li Wuting finally let go.MHjMiFnoHPKhTcZWVEUJfbaKUPPCkD

SmwhXVQbLhQlIOz

The hand in mid-air paused for a moment and gently rested on Ning Rushen’s shoulder, with the fingertips touching his exposed collarbone through the thin fabric.HSscxANVVbMSHaYhvwjBuTxbzKbLMB

EsYzcqTEsXpAIdN

Li Wuting seemed to exhale, “I understand.”yzGFUChXPDgnMAZEIBSWZXjpbdoyWg

AyucNThYOvDEFrJ

De Quan beside them became anxious, “Your Majesty!!”rNwkMGqbCyVvZKfjtZDSgNazzuLvHg

lunSUeNGMJeDLAw

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.rtylywotnutqhFPHzTftqtDNMifxka

BXXCfeLhOAFtfow

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on Ning Rushen, “I will issue an edict tomorrow. Military matters are urgent, so even if I…” His deep-set eyes hid the unfinished meaning, “You need to set out as soon as possible.”jqBzPugWpWiMbczagfApdaTXTmCsZI

iwJlMTcWKtQIYHJ

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes.”PpnIDDhGZsYfnKbuEPFqHsVTnnvOLW

ytAdhpVfdDatwtO

The hand on his shoulder lightly tapped and then withdrew.iUfTqMyzLZkVFpPAeijqCPvWEgRjDk

QiMroJqAAgxXcnd

Li Wuting looked down, “You may leave.”bSKQcPQbsVAIrvrGMSYfCncyKIpryi

ORBYFRIPcqXoOqR

“Mm…” Ning Rushen, about to leave, suddenly remembered, “By the way, the urgent letter sent by General Huo, should I still present it to Your Majesty?”LXDQYtUIAwYRAvLFOvkfGdEiOfYRSs

JKKfElJGNoFFlEv

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”dRTQTKMAdYRnGrblqZlMSFpUSUMVeV

HyIfAWWRiCiEyLI

“…” Was that a hint of killing intent?lPVVdUjeYoKCMDCBpEuhSwfPVCaDyr

UTMdKlxmPBsvblV

Ning Rushen touched his nose and prepared to withdraw. Just as he turned, he was suddenly called back—ruEReWgSGAynVsOtRenNLQnBqqUchu

GjEkOlkPuHjqYLV

“Forget it, send someone to deliver it.” Li Wuting’s face was on the edge of a smile, “I want to see how General Huo’s heartfelt words persuaded Ning Qing.”hLqUVXhoOOtiJxQTtwfBUmXSDoqNzu

nlZQcfaroYLKbhL

Ning Rushen: .vDaoJJDidJhzTMwijJOLvYZnjqUaKC

WLagbyQpztLOxoD

He responded and withdrew.aNbAgqURXOstbUqFexxfNwttykDXBg

ZiQaynObKdQIutW

Once Ning Rushen’s figure disappeared outside the hall, Li Wuting finally looked away and lowered his gaze.VwVuvBShSUnlAUtWVcLlPdcKbhyLWw

ZKadWoIOVGlsswO

De Quan, unable to contain himself, said, “Your Majesty! How can you send Sir Ning so far away?”DTkJbjqdjjvKkfMjDtmWBSowsVTuOt

rWzPKXDddVSBuya

Li Wuting spoke in a deep voice, “If he is determined, I am willing to help him achieve both literary and martial accomplishments.”BPwPgkyuTsHrpbFwcKrnfZfrKAAgSr

yMBKDHuIHvQyPdu

De Quan was momentarily stunned but then seemed to understand something.SOWnSicfvuzTmOfhGljsLrlzXdlzWi

wXWzFahXaASARHy

He felt a pang of sorrow, “Your Majesty has thought this through carefully.”JsunReAvuWLHJeQizIqjlBJPMnWpqT

AqdpIKEvABMnUqT

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”jcRPfznpeztfGySmzTLdkcFkrgrPwt

WuvndcikoBqbguw

Moreover? De Quan looked up but saw that Li Wuting did not continue. The Emperor appeared lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon outside the hall, as if looking at a distant place.NmmMXpAunGnKYzEWYOAsMZFBGCFsJW

ELgvGZKmuwlWPDB

De Quan was bewildered and could not make sense of it.FfZknhqJomIJoXcMlSAyaSKMJyFmRB

fvrDatNsfANrQkb

He turned back to his own worries:rfWSZnZwsUTikbkQqLFnSVrshCpZVu

SkxjZGjmQxRvxGe

But with the Emperor’s intense emotions… will Sir Ning really be able to endure such a long journey?EosMhwTTMddDgwhTAQRWJfUXqbkIty

GejGzJmsPtDdrDh

·xAEkJvDTYLDkzleQRZVnbdUVEjDrtU

taZFIXPgwFFTuhT

After returning to his residence, Ning Rushen had his belongings packed.gQiLNlYkBaEkWYCgEAsAWVCAvgbvoB

PbqTjequJvKpBqD

The next day, the edict appointing him as the military supervisor was issued, causing a stir in the court!pcHHwdBKAKQDAzLhbsTwhJhREZFTwR

EyQtaDIlVUlYupx

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.QlmuNjTvdodduyGSRfduhuVdPqIZuy

lwNtasoKtDnyRIG

With the urgency of the military situation, he was to depart the following day.XaqlPfMVEuurNXZGTSfxyacqdzRiml

inYUvRgFrATLjSh

After leaving the court, Ning Rushen bid farewell to a group of colleagues who had come to see him off, then went straight back to his residence to prepare for his departure the next day.wuGqbDoNqzyuOvIGZAWUaeBpgjxroV

TpmZZwwefxXrwaR

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.HxoqxRQewOaREcgjmdjwGsSKhANlzC

rVpoVdLfRLJMImy

Geng Yan unceremoniously sat down in his courtyard, observing the busy servants of the residence.OxDUksvzyyMKNMGlHAKCzRCXUNGiUR

bGgCFebXRKpWLvN

“You’re really leaving, huh? It’s so sudden.”mnZtDGvFHhhbhsFeviQhoNGjXXibBL

MFQGAcEgJSkwRuP

Ning Rushen nodded, “I also find it very sudden.”kGUoyxPrsNTTWfPAcrSyEZHGeMQPKT

ByBXKiMNUbzkuss

The urgent letter from Huo Mian had come without any warning.BVbdhuHFHQwgWxRoNGzfeIoZFeoWlK

mooWRQIyxEJAmFR

But thinking about the two letters that were sent incorrectly, he suspected Huo Mian might have been the most surprised.JxoevUECdDEMwtqTZuQNscGZWBuAll

mBvuiGAlYzWWWth

Geng Yan suddenly had an idea and said, “So if you leave, I won’t be able to see the Emperor anymore if I come to climb your courtyard walls?”wAzNuWTpvjgYHLrSeDqkknaBCTwIol

HNnwNdNMowGtaSl

Ning Rushen was speechless, “Why would you climb the walls when I’m gone? Are you really here to steal something?”fLLbyhoxOfvPytvLYSQBQSdNaOIabR

nNGjeepMjrHWGgi

Geng Yan seemed to find this reasonable and pointed out sharply, “Why didn’t you refute the last sentence!”xIVSOMTIMfkSNuEsYxYxRqdSlvUTaE

dlqxHbfqcDPAWwZ

Ning Rushen: “…”HURnfnGVxBooKpyAZNzHfIQlQnDKhB

nNHWmodRMScXoth

Seeing Geng Yan’s smug face, he gave him a kick!RGrdtNJKPMwBBZZecFlTvHGXONQpOj

ecmnDdDQWkNKZzA

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”lJeYKGMuCkgBcsSuwkapewUHYXJZWy

VIufCYRhjLWWoKc

After sending the uninvited Geng Yan away, Ning Rushen returned to the courtyard. Before he could dwell on the unintended remark, he looked up and saw someone new in the yard—scGbcQoFvaGWOAHwaEJLDFjYxPEIEe

LiYnKraZmtrwvaC

By the side of Shi Yi, Lu Wu was carrying a large bundle and looking at him.NtOZtgmwHlMHouordKqUgkQTBjHgdQ

GvsnBbTlHyMqTOd

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.NWNeAhkJWUCfbZKjEvcDOjrABYDJyD

ERlzkqSraaOJVSI

Then he steadied himself and asked, “Why are you here?”bKooihgQeUwOZZvOsMwcDJhcXiGDbe

qwdYKbIEwYWlCjt

Lu Wu replied, “The Emperor said that Shi Yi and I should accompany you to Beijiang and stay with you from now on.” He added, “Except for your orders, we will not take any other commands.”KWtpHHYqUMnXyPnQZpKLwaqUktoCCP

vbusqrORxYNxrCc

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he slightly opened his mouth: …VPXCkdiicsacFVAkIPAxiSurHLzQlE

KmIdlePklHHfonQ

Li Wuting had completely sent Shi Yi and Lu Wu with him.MNjqMecwzNHTJYHvhHCsohCTagcDBY

uaByACtvVIMmUtS

After a moment, he nodded, “Thank you for your Majesty’s arrangement.”HvLFoMvlBEqlOsisDuFQqkKkoyzVNZ

SAydIBSxapRizsI

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.GszPxuXJvActwBztPVRUHEJQoGveEP

BfncqgLuoczPVzR

Ning Rushen had packed lightly, bringing only a few essentials.blxQAjgOXgPCnIoSWKxZkmhJyAuXnb

SGpbUYKdKFMGozQ

Yan Min and the others stayed in the capital to manage the estate; he took only two sturdy spoons and a team of guards with him.EsdeMdHjtqYaFYAbXrLBUPSVvDMTht

cYNTsLvgFWrvzYg

As he left the residence and climbed into the carriage, he cast one last glance toward the palace, where Li Wuting’s face immediately appeared in his mind.RqDmlxajDhBsEUSscQIpuTtqrzksNa

hdZlHwLRhqetVPg

He had no idea how long this journey would take…RXNcMOsKxBEyufZUKQjHUPIOwCVxyc

dTTIchCsYwFaIQP

Ning Rushen felt a fleeting, unusual emotion. He paused and said, “Should I… go bid farewell to His Majesty again?”tqGTjyjoXgeeDToMCWtPUUOLippJEE

nYYzenqyjsJIbFI

Before he could get a response, Lu Wu beside the carriage said, “No need.”wdkDfHOaEtFGSDqelFiJdlRiDfJfBj

dTZfTrnPtmvkCIn

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”QuRDYlXstFAXnkHGYXYvdnBxwiaBvW

iOCqMQlGZHurSwV

Lu Wu explained, “His Majesty instructed that due to the urgency of the military situation, you need not go to the palace.”EXrMMxFMWVaUePNmTQFVnjTkytryxa

EXyaSbEzgGZiKhO

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.PpWyvJTFCBtEkTENLHzpGsURjCnnli

wVZscbUmcIPRoXN

… Not seeing him? What did that mean? Was he being abandoned?RshFjAntzmFPIzogJFDwqmvITESNlg

EoyVfqfTmxvXeqO

He pressed his lips together, then lifted the curtain and climbed into the carriage. “Oh.”cLpGMVZwVkxdAtdTeATMAQtIAZHLJp

SgxwZxtVmFFALeR

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.RwcMrWHubLHcFrDFURUDiLJnHMIbSE

IfQtnuSJjoRrSVS

As Ning Rushen sat in the carriage, still pondering the matter, he didn’t notice where the carriage had reached.HSVWoJEbcaimvzcghyfiXUugNeORnn

jjEKlABEJeKvxAd

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.lZrKcfzmzGfYYSTqnOuHgYQyTUiOLW

dajmevWSzxYJLGZ

It had stopped. Ning Rushen lifted the curtain and asked, “What’s…”ZvlfmrlLcXZqwSXJJFXRqrcZQbjqWC

qTPXXaYhXfxtonE

His question stopped abruptly when he saw a tall, deep green figure outside the post station—cLkigViAdZGhBaUPKpMdvznWmKfQgD

XWJSTlUkQrVUMdv

On the dusty official road, Li Wuting stood with his side facing him.rYhzmDIMkFCRxQPvaMhRMcIzSsVMYY

HHskfpxwlVQumgG

His tall and upright figure was as steady as a mountain, his cold and handsome profile looking ethereal amidst the desolate countryside, his blue attire appearing as elegant as jade.kmDfWlsAFCQWXpdpvkQoktRkuzhrlv

mZUYMUlmKBCOtyX

Ning Rushen’s chaotic thoughts came to a sudden halt:FORHNeAxDQWFiNWNipiRRWbWjMQseV

sbQtHMimrynlSwY

“… Your Majesty.”OHAPQZipyWOsfhzdciecvLzykxVtrX

iAnzsFjtCNGdlAb

Li Wuting looked at him and said softly, “Aren’t you coming down? Are you waiting for me to help you?”lHySuCEJroGrgEXImqqdpsYZiKqoZk

VWiDMzPhmFbWcrR

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, hurriedly lifting the curtain and jumping down from the carriage.EMIchRxVeJvCWdEOgubNRPOoDPlpLq

JggwOZzROowRhdD

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.vTMtsWDTMWILfaeeLFSNgfpCKHWXYG

gtcdNDCLKzjxumG

If not for De Quan’s familiar, beaming smile beside him, he would have thought this was an illusion:GSNuaeIUqXuTDjAszQxJJUoOrgisJp

gySNsZpNukzJzBF

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”EKyychhvJiTQpSZTKAOmjfoyLWqHjZ

FoIZCwyuWsftgcf

Li Wuting replied quietly, “Don’t you want to see me?”tnGsNEXuCYjznvyuKziTphpjUcBPxG

tQEcxgCfXEhxNDW

Ning Rushen moved his lips, “… It’s not that.”tRfqssRrtyamYliLUVbyCUgkoPYLmP

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The guards on either side lowered their heads and closed their ears, standing quietly as if they hadn’t heard anything.ufhgMirCnVBEXIJtaXlldGhRdMcwZo

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Li Wuting watched him for a moment, then said, “Walk with me.”AiGdnzPqymYgZhOhdPwVPQlrVPEZcw

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.ncPapNvRIQrvUbYDlEzmDKzStYqRfa

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Outside was a vast, boundless wilderness, with overgrown grass stretching to the horizon.HdlBShawfXWwFEMwIEKfqvBaIimvMW

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A gentle breeze stirred the grass, creating a rustling sound.hYTXlFMlIPfPDLwoXUsfkeYcZTwXgj

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Li Wuting remained silent, and Ning Rushen also said nothing.lIgNikDsOoRPAwnSeTCqcBqGEfACwy

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They walked for a while, until they were out of earshot of anyone else. Li Wuting stopped, looking at the distant horizon where the grass met the sky. He called, “Ning Qing.”UjjRKptOPWftRPoDAabiHxuUNoGhAJ

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”LKovAjAUKCbXNdaaAufadCCxbAeSpH

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“On this journey…”oUWukyntEIvWYNuGQuiRCULuHymrnn

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.yDgmlycdwjWlHaNmByIYkHVkHgwxSB

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He turned to face Ning Rushen, his eyes reflecting a myriad of unsaid words. His fingers, hidden in his sleeves, curled slightly. In the end, he could not resist—VdGpeNcHeKTMNtWmOfduMfONQMwDtL

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.xsqNEWwRFdCGkdjwZinuKtrfowicZB

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Ning Rushen was suddenly held in the Emperor’s arms, his heart racing. He was momentarily stunned, feeling the warmth and firmness of the embrace.yeckAKYirPUOLeDidALVdsAWltXmhZ

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Li Wuting then whispered near his ear, which had turned red in surprise, “Wait for me.”SyOQyFcbQPKvtcRFWHhBgjyAlfdZdk

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